What are coconut oil's side effects?

Speaking about theories, the theory of effortless weight loss sounds marvelous. But is coconut oil the means to that end?

Many researchers not only doubt it, they say that relying on coconut oil -- a fat -- to reduce weight is not only counterproductive, but potentially quite dangerous.

Forget about the health issues for the moment. Vomiting and nausea have been reported as a common side effect to people taking daily tablespoons of coconut oil. Now back to health.

A single tablespoon of coconut oil contains more than 13 grams of fat. Multiply that by four and you have consumed nearly all the fat recommended for a day by the U.S. government. Not only that, but coconut oil has more saturated fat -- 10 times the amount in olive oil, for instance -- than any other oil. So is it shocking that proof that coconut oil can reduce weight is about as elusive as proof that little green men have flown to earth in space ships powered by coconut oil?

Coconut oil proponents say humbug. Coconut oil, they say, contains medium-chain triglycerides, easier for the body to process than long-chain triglycerides. And, they say, evidence bashing coconut oil comes from a decade-old study that used a partially hydrogenated version of coconut oil, which contains trans fat.

The bottom line, according to the Mayo Clinic and others is this: People on coconut oil diets showed higher arterial fat after just one meal, it can increase cholesterol and, if it is not reducing your caloric intake, coconut oil can actually lead to weight gain.

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Whether you're visiting the drug store, grocery or natural food shop you'll likely find an aisle where there are jars and bottles of things for you to put in your body that are neither foods nor medicines. Ranging from vitamins and minerals to fiber and herbal remedies, these supplements are not regulated in the same way as either food or medicine. Some of them are backed by solid research, others are folk remedies or proprietary cures.
If your diet does not include enough of certain vitamins or minerals, a supplement may be a good idea. Natural treatment for conditions like constipation may be effective. But because these substances are unregulated, it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the products and to use common sense when taking them. This is even more true if you are pregnant or taking a medicine that may be affected by supplements.